Reliable Energy Now, and for the Future Talking Points and Sample Questions

The Unites States is in the midst of an energy crisis. New exploration and the production of energy resources has almost completely stopped, our refining capacity is stretched to the limit, and our dependence of foreign energy sources is at a historical high. Any effort to make electricity and fuel more expensive, or to cap or regulate CO2 will only exacerbate an already critical situation and cause tremendous economic damage.

RELIABLE ENERGY NOW, AND FOR THE FUTURE

Americans deserve common-sense energy policies that will increase competition, lower prices, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

We are still many years away from finding alternatives to fossil fuels. The search for alternative energy sources should continue, but not at the expense of our current prosperity.

Reliance on failed, big-government schemes to promote so-called “renewable” energy sources, and policies that do nothing to help increase production of traditional energy resources, are responsible for the uncertain state of America’s energy security.

America has abundant and diverse energy sources — much of it is held captive by federal ownership and environmental politics. The federal government holds these land in trust for ALL Americans, not just an elite few. We should be allowed to take advantage of our own natural resources.

Energy producers — such as the oil and natural gas industry and the electric utility industry — must be allowed to continue fueling the economic growth that has enabled our country to create millions of new jobs and new opportunities for all Americans.

Ensuring the stability and abundance of our national fuel and energy supply does not mean “turning back the clock” on environmental progress. Indeed, it is our prosperity — fueled by energy — that has made us the most environmentally sensitive and successful nation in the world.

We need a national values check. Today, the United States imports nearly 60 percent of its crude oil — the highest level in history. Our ever-increasing reliance on foreign sources like OPEC not only exports environmental damage to other countries, but makes our economy dependent upon the whims of foreign governments.

Sample Questions for Elected Officials

on Energy Policy and CO2

Do you support President Bush’s decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol — the UN global warming treaty?

Do you support efforts to regulate carbon dioxide in the United States, even though a such a one-sided effort would be futile?

The regulation of carbon dioxide would be like a BTU tax on energy. Do you support President Bush’s decision not to regulate carbon dioxide as a so-called “pollutant?”

America is on the verge of an energy crisis. Do you support efforts to increase domestic energy production in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, and on federally owned land?

America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy is up 15 percent in as many years. Conservation is important. But what exactly are you doing to increase supplies at home and keep prices down?